School of Behavioral Sciences

Mission

The mission of the School of Behavioral Sciences is to provide an academically challenging education, innovative instruction, pioneering research, and impactful community engagement. We merge theory and practice to create high-impact programs that inspire students to build inclusive communities. We equip students with lasting, transferable skills that prepare them for diverse and meaningful careers. 

Vision

The vision of the School of Behavioral Sciences is to advance the application of psychological, counseling, child and family studies, and sociological science and knowledge by offering high-impact programs with resonance. We will be leaders in teaching, research, and scholarship as we serve our professions and communities. We advance innovative solutions to local and global social problems through cutting-edge research and practice and seek to motivate future generations to elevate the public’s understanding of human behavior.

Organizational Structure

The School of Behavioral Sciences consists of the Division of Sociology, the Division of Child and Family Studies, the Department of Counseling, and the Department of Psychological Sciences- which offers flexible degree plans at the undergraduate level as follows:

• BS in Psychology
• BS in Applied Sociology
• BS in Child and Family Studies
• BAAS in Child and Family Studies

Minor programs (this consists of 18-hours in any one of our programs below)

• Psychology
• Counseling
• Sociology
• Child and Family Studies

Department of Psychological Sciences

The Department of Psychological Sciences is committed to providing exciting and challenging ways to develop bright new leaders in the field of psychology. Our program is tailored to meet the needs of traditional undergraduates seeking a bachelor’s degree in psychology at our Stephenville campus, as well as those students attending our satellite campuses in Fort Worth and Waco. 

This Bachelor of Science degree at Tarleton State University is available through three program formats. Courses are offered face-to-face, hybrid (combination of face-to-face and online), and online. All psychology course requirements are available at all four campus locations. The program offers three concentrations, including General Psychology, Pre-Clinical and Educational Psychology.

The department offers student research opportunities with our faculty. Our undergraduates have joined faculty at professional meetings, including the Southwestern Psychological Association and the Association of Psychological Science.

For more information about Psychological Sciences, please reach out to the Interim Department Head, Dr. Trina Geye at geye@tarleton.edu 

Department of Counseling 

The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is designed to accommodate working professionals, offering courses primarily in the evenings and on weekends. Students progress through the program in cohorts, completing their degrees over 8 to 11 semesters in Stephenville, Fort Worth, and Waco. The curriculum is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), ensuring rigorous academic and clinical training that meets the requirements for becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas. With a focus on developing ethical and effective counseling professionals, the program emphasizes experiential learning, comprehensive theoretical knowledge, and a strong professional identity.

Graduates may work in a variety of fields including, but not limited to, private practice, community mental health agencies, hospitals or healthcare settings, schools and educational institutions, university counseling centers, or corporate programs. 

For more information about Counseling, please reach out to the Interim Department Head, Dr. Ryan Foster at rdfoster@tarleton.edu 

Division of Sociology

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Sociology at Tarleton State University is designed to prepare you to recognize and adapt to social change by equipping you with the lasting and transferable skills employers are seeking. Coursework focuses on developing skills like critical thinking, effective communication, data analysis, and intercultural competency and applying these skills in real-world contexts. With these skills, our graduates are working in a range of career fields and occupations. Applied Sociology is also excellent preparation for graduate school, too!

The Bachelor of Science degree at Tarleton State University equips students with the lasting skills employers seek. Our programs show students how to think critically, understand and conduct research, communicate effectively, and adapt to the ever-changing social world. The program offers three concentrations, including General Sociology, Community Engagement and Sociology of Education.

For more information about Sociology, please reach out to the Division Director, Dr. Derek Lehman at lehman@tarleton.edu 

Division of Child and Family Studies

The Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Family Studies is designed to train professionals who are dedicated to the well-being and development of children and families. The child and family studies courses are offered completely online. This program offers a comprehensive curriculum with three distinct concentrations, allowing students to tailor their studies to align with their specific interests and career aspirations. 

The Child Life concentration equips students with specialized skills in supporting children facing medical challenges and fostering resilience and emotional well-being in healthcare settings. The Early Childhood Education concentration provides a strong foundation in pedagogy and child development, preparing graduates for impactful roles in early learning environments. Finally, the Family Life concentration delves into the complexities of family dynamics, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to provide meaningful support and resources for families across diverse contexts. 

For more information about Child and Family Studies, please reach out to the Division Director, Dr. Kristina Higgins at higgins@tarleton.edu